Edward & Anne

Energetic, Caring & Reliable Aussie Couple

About Edward & Anne

We are a caring, tidy, and responsible Australian couple who take pleasure in looking after animals, and who appreciate homely experiences in new locations. Married for over 40 years, and recently retired, we are non-smokers, active and healthy, and now placed to do some travelling. House sitting seems a great opportunity to participate posit...

We are a caring, tidy, and responsible Australian couple who take pleasure in looking after animals, and who appreciate homely experiences in new locations. Married for over 40 years, and recently retired, we are non-smokers, active and healthy, and now placed to do some travelling. House sitting seems a great opportunity to participate positively in the sharing economy.

Why we want to house sit

We are planning several activities in Europe during 2018. There is some flexibility with dates, so it would seem ideal if, through Trustedhousesitters, we can help out by house sitting, and also enjoy some dog or cat company (or other animal or bird), in a homely situation. In 2019, we shall be looking to enjoy new pet company, and to becoming appreciated house sitters, in USA, Canada, and America Latina. Again, timings flexible, and open to what may present, including elsewhere.

Our experience

Anne & Edward grew up in different country towns in Victoria, in south-eastern Australia. Living in the country encouraged openness and a practical, can-do approach. Our parents emphasized honesty, reliability and acceptance of responsibility. Those traits remain central for us.

Country life also fostered our appreciation of animals and nature. Until early adulthood, pets were part of our lives: dogs, cats, rabbits, poultry, budgerigars and other birds, mice, fish, tortoises, and an ant farm. Even checking on the yabbies, an Australian fresh water crustacean, and regular feeding of the worms, which were bred for fishing, seemed a bit like looking after pets :-). Edward's spider jar, which he tucked safely underneath his bed each night, was found one morning to have had its lid dislodged. Only 9 of his 11 "pet" redback spiders could be found. Spiders were banned from the pet list for a while!

As adults, we continue to enjoy meeting new people, and are able to get by in French and Spanish. Our professional careers involved working and living for extended periods in half a dozen countries. That experience means we adapt quickly to new situations, and function effectively in new surroundings.

Anne’s career was in teaching, most recently as an academic and research skills advisor, for post graduate students, at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. Edward was an infantry officer in the Australian Army and, for 30 years, a career diplomat.Over an extended period, Edward held high level security clearances from the Australian Government, and we have current Australian Police checks.

Whilst we were living abroad, it wasn't always possible to have pets. So we have "pent-up pet love", and are now looking forward to more opportunities to care for animals, and to enjoy their company. Combining this with travel which includes a true local experience, and the chance to enjoy a homely atmosphere, seems an ideal combination.

Over 40 years of establishing and running households in different locations, we have learned quite a lot about what can go wrong in a house or apartment, and then what to do to rectify it! With good practical skills, we are comfortable attending to routine service or maintenance, including, for example, pool maintenance.

We enjoy gardening, though wouldn't claim to be experts. Our own garden includes areas of lawn; shrubs and trees, which are mainly Australian; a vegetable patch; herb garden; and fruit trees. Hard to beat home-grown :-) Our three adult sons think it a little odd, but we both still enjoy lawn mowing! In short, and in accordance with your wishes, we will be happy to keep lawns trim, and to attend to garden watering and basic maintenance.

We have looked after houses for friends and, in April 2018, accepted an invitation to do a "proper" house sit, in Melbourne, Australia. We really enjoyed it, especially the company of the house cavalier/poodle, Ruby. Here are extracts from a message received from the returning owner: “You and Anne would be welcome to stay anytime! I got all of your messages …and Ruby would’ve LOVED having you here! And thank you so much for tidying up my garden. It looks so fabulous…. Thanks again.”

That positive experience was our the start point. Now, thanks to generous offers to sit from two lovely home-owning couples in France, and another adventurous couple spread between Canada and Abu Dhabi, we feel "at home", as trusted members of the THS global community.

It would be a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility to care for your special animal friends, and to safeguard your home and possessions. We will care for them as if they were our own.

Reviews (3)

Tracy - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

03 October - 19 October 2018

Thank you to Ann & Edward for taking such great care of Elsa & Trudeau! My husband reports that the apt was spotless- including the mirror!! Edward went above & beyond in keeping us updated on the antics our 2 cats & sent pictures as proof. Ann & Edward had to deal with a few unexpected ordeals... + More

Thank you to Ann & Edward for taking such great care of Elsa & Trudeau! My husband reports that the apt was spotless- including the mirror!! Edward went above & beyond in keeping us updated on the antics our 2 cats & sent pictures as proof. Ann & Edward had to deal with a few unexpected ordeals & manged them with ease ie power cut & internet difficulties. We would highly recommend this couple & would happily ha e them back!

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from Edward & Anne

Many thanks Tracy & Simon, for your assistance and for your positive review. We were delighted to spend time with Queen Elsa and also gratified to win approval from the more reserved Trudeau. Choosing us as your sitters gave us a much appreciated opportunity to gain an impression of a very interesting part of the world. Best wishes Anne & Edward

- Less

Charlotte - Malakoff, France

19 July - 10 August 2018

It was a real pleasure to leave our house and Flixie to Edward and Anne. They are lovely and caring people, that took care of Flixie as she was their own. They kept us informed with pictures during their stay. Our house was, I believe, even tidier than when we left. We were able to meet up with... + More

It was a real pleasure to leave our house and Flixie to Edward and Anne. They are lovely and caring people, that took care of Flixie as she was their own. They kept us informed with pictures during their stay. Our house was, I believe, even tidier than when we left. We were able to meet up with them before and after the petsitting and it was a real treat. We could not have had more wonderful people for our first petsitting experience.I would recommend them to anyone!

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from Edward & Anne

Many thanks Charlotte and Jean-Christophe,for your kind review. We greatly enjoyed looking after Flixie, and your charming home. Malakoff is now one of our top favourite areas in Paris! Good luck with all your exciting plans!Best RegardsEdward and Anne

- Less

Kathy - Romenay, France

12 June - 15 July 2018

Edward & Anne Patching were responsible, attentive and thoroughly reliable house sitters. Not only did they care for and exercise our two active Welsh Springer Spaniels they were also excellent, tidy gardeners leaving us a hard act to follow and maintain. They also kept us completely informed on ... + More

Edward & Anne Patching were responsible, attentive and thoroughly reliable house sitters. Not only did they care for and exercise our two active Welsh Springer Spaniels they were also excellent, tidy gardeners leaving us a hard act to follow and maintain. They also kept us completely informed on a regular basis using secure social media which gave us complete peace of mind. Their impeccable social skills also enabled them to integrate within our community. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to those looking for reliable, honest and hardworking house sitters who are real animal lovers.

Organised

Reliable

Self-sufficient

Tidy

Pet care

Response from Edward & Anne

Many thanks, Kathy & Bill, for your many kindnesses. We had a wonderful time with Ffion and Dylan, in your special part of the world. Best WishesAnne and Edward

- Less

View all Reviews (3)

A7A5ED44-8AEF-45F7-8EAB-E66ACFBF81BCCreated with sketchtool.

View Reference (1)

About Edward & Anne

We are a caring, tidy, and responsible Australian couple who take pleasure in looking after animals, and who appreciate homely experiences in new locations. Married for over 40 years, and recently retired, we are non-smokers, active and healthy, and now placed to do some travelling. House sitting seems a great opportunity to participate positively in the sharing economy.

We are a caring, tidy, and responsible Australian couple who take pleasure in looking after animals, and who appreciate homely experiences in new locations. Married for over 40 years, and recently retired, we are non-smokers, active and healthy, and now placed to do some travelling. House sitting seems a great opportunity to participate positively in the sharing economy.

Why we want to house sit

We are planning several activities in Europe during 2018. There is some flexibility with dates, so it would seem ideal if, through Trustedhousesitters, we can help out by house sitting, and also enjoy some dog or cat company (or other animal or bird), in a homely situation. In 2019, we shall be looking to enjoy new pet company, and to becoming appreciated house sitters, in USA, Canada, and America Latina. Again, timings flexible, and open to what may present, including elsewhere.

Our experience

Anne & Edward grew up in different country towns in Victoria, in south-eastern Australia. Living in the country encouraged openness and a practical, can-do approach. Our parents emphasized honesty, reliability and acceptance of responsibility. Those traits remain central for us.

Country life also fostered our appreciation of animals and nature. Until early adulthood, pets were part of our lives: dogs, cats, rabbits, poultry, budgerigars and other birds, mice, fish, tortoises, and an ant farm. Even checking on the yabbies, an Australian fresh water crustacean, and regular feeding of the worms, which were bred for fishing, seemed a bit like looking after pets :-). Edward's spider jar, which he tucked safely underneath his bed each night, was found one morning to have had its lid dislodged. Only 9 of his 11 "pet" redback spiders could be found. Spiders were banned from the pet list for a while!

As adults, we continue to enjoy meeting new people, and are able to get by in French and Spanish. Our professional careers involved working and living for extended periods in half a dozen countries. That experience means we adapt quickly to new situations, and function effectively in new surroundings.

Anne’s career was in teaching, most recently as an academic and research skills advisor, for post graduate students, at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. Edward was an infantry officer in the Australian Army and, for 30 years, a career diplomat.Over an extended period, Edward held high level security clearances from the Australian Government, and we have current Australian Police checks.

Whilst we were living abroad, it wasn't always possible to have pets. So we have "pent-up pet love", and are now looking forward to more opportunities to care for animals, and to enjoy their company. Combining this with travel which includes a true local experience, and the chance to enjoy a homely atmosphere, seems an ideal combination.

Over 40 years of establishing and running households in different locations, we have learned quite a lot about what can go wrong in a house or apartment, and then what to do to rectify it! With good practical skills, we are comfortable attending to routine service or maintenance, including, for example, pool maintenance.

We enjoy gardening, though wouldn't claim to be experts. Our own garden includes areas of lawn; shrubs and trees, which are mainly Australian; a vegetable patch; herb garden; and fruit trees. Hard to beat home-grown :-) Our three adult sons think it a little odd, but we both still enjoy lawn mowing! In short, and in accordance with your wishes, we will be happy to keep lawns trim, and to attend to garden watering and basic maintenance.

We have looked after houses for friends and, in April 2018, accepted an invitation to do a "proper" house sit, in Melbourne, Australia. We really enjoyed it, especially the company of the house cavalier/poodle, Ruby. Here are extracts from a message received from the returning owner: “You and Anne would be welcome to stay anytime! I got all of your messages …and Ruby would’ve LOVED having you here! And thank you so much for tidying up my garden. It looks so fabulous…. Thanks again.”

That positive experience was our the start point. Now, thanks to generous offers to sit from two lovely home-owning couples in France, and another adventurous couple spread between Canada and Abu Dhabi, we feel "at home", as trusted members of the THS global community.

It would be a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility to care for your special animal friends, and to safeguard your home and possessions. We will care for them as if they were our own.